Readspeeder.Com Evaluation

Purpose/Brief Description
Interactive site. Users can create an account and then log in to playback text streams at a reading speed that suits their current language proficiency. The application uses a proprietary technology to parse the text into phrases. These phrases can be played back using VCR-like controls to control the speed of the playback or pause it altogether. The user can also highlight and catalog phrases.

Learner Fit
This site is a good fit for all levels of ELLs but especially useful for lower levels, where being able to parse whole sentences and slow down the speed of reading is more critical.

The site also meets some of the Conditions for Optimal Language Learning Environments, as listed in Figure 1-2. By controlling the speed of reading, students have a better opportunity to interact and negotiate meaning; they are involved in authentic tasks (pausing the readback to think about meaning or look up a definition ); students can slow the readback down to a speed that does not overwhelm them, which reduces stress and anxiety; students control their interaction with the site, which supports learner autonomy.

Teacher Fit
Teachers could recommend this site for readers who have trouble...perhaps they cannot readily parse whole sentences themselves and try to digest too much, too fast. Readspeeder can parse the text for them. This would lower the affective filter.

How Can It Be Used?
Students can use it as a control for reading speed, which would help most in lower levels of ESL learning. Presumably, the students' need for this “decelerator” would diminish as their English proficiency improves.

Likes/Dislikes
Likes:
The site is minimalist in approach: the playback controls, tools to add and save your own text, a library of classic books and literary works, and a feed for current news stories. That's it! Straightforward and simple.

Dislikes:
At first blush, I don't have any dislikes. I love the straightforward design and simplicity of operation.